Growing up in Bernardsville gave me the best childhood I could’ve hoped for

Growing up in a small town is hard, and you’ll often feel pressed for space. But, before you know it, you’ll be wishing you were back home in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

Growing up in Bernardsville, New Jersey, you become acutely aware of the proclaimed “Bernardsville Bubble” that surrounds you. For most of your adolescence, you dream of popping “the Bubble” and venturing far beyond its reaches. Though it seems hard to imagine, there is a life outside this near perfect, Northern New Jersey town.

Yet as time goes by and your life takes you outside the Bernardsville and onto college, travels, etc., you will find yourself remembering fondly the time you spent in Bernardsville. And before you know it, you will come to realize that some of your favorite childhood memories were shaped by the “Bernardsville Bubble,” and that growing up there was really quite great.

For certain, you’ll remember…

Bickering, good-heartedly, over the best pizza or bagel place in Bernardsville

Bernardsville is the home to multiple competing pizza and bagel chains, and every member of the town has their favorite (which they’ll defend to the death). From Lenny’s to Bouna, you’ll never fail to find a good slice, and from Bagels 4 You to the Bagel Bin, your craving for a taylor ham, egg and cheese, will always be satiated. Just be careful mentioning your favorite place in public.

Celebrating the Hunt like a national holiday

Everyone knows it’s time for the Hunt when the streets of Bernardsville are flooded with every citizen decked from head to toe in riding boots, flannel, and Ray Bans. And though admittedly, the Hunt takes place in the next town over, nothing strikes a chord of Bernardsville pride like seeing the whole town out, partying together in the gorgeous fall weather.

Finding your first Swedish Fish in Penguin’s Ice Cream

Bernardsville is home to one of the best ice cream places in the state, Penguin Ice Cream. And whether you choose a healthy serving of Moose Tracks or Campfire S’mores (or the famous Antartica Challenge), nothing will make you smile like seeing a bright red Swedish Fish atop your ice cream. Why? Because, as they say, Penguins love fish.

Eating breakfast at the Coffee Shop

A true staple of Bernardsville, the Coffee Shop will serve you the best New Jersey diner food  you’ve ever had, with the perfect side of hometown gossip. From police officers to priests, it seems everyone makes their way to the Coffee Shop on Saturday mornings. Nothing quite says “this is home” like the waitress asking you what you’d like to eat before you see the menu.

Watching the entire town come out to the High School football games

Friday night lights always seem to shine brighter at Bernards High than at surrounding schools. The energy in the air is nothing short of electric, and you’re guaranteed to see the local firefighters and the middle school girls you babysit alike at the game. And though it seems all the high school students leave at halftime, it’s always nice to see the rest of the community staying until the end to support our players.

Though it seems popular to resent the “Bernardsville Bubble” while you live there, a quick, nostalgic stroll through the town should remind you that growing up in Bernardsville, New Jersey is a blessing. You’ll certainly miss it once you’re gone. Besides, not many people get to say they grew up in the greatest hometown in the USA.